Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 6 February 2012:

With reference to the Seasonal Worker Program announced by the Government on 18 December 2011:

(1)   How will the $21.7 million allocated to the program be spent, and where will this funding come from.

(2)   How does the Seasonal Worker Program differ from the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme.

(3)   Which countries are included in the:

(a)   Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme; and

(b)   Seasonal Worker Program.

(4)   Can copies of all signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) relating to the Seasonal Worker Program be provided.

(5)   In regard to Nauru and Tuvalu, detailed separately:

  (a)   what is the current state of discussions in relation to an MOU;

  (b)   when did discussions commence; and

  (c)   when is the MOU expected to be signed.

(6)   Was an evaluation report completed for the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme; if so, can a copy be provided; if not, why not.

(7)   Can details be provided of the 'small scale, three year trial arrangements with cotton and cane growers, aquaculture ventures and accommodation providers in the tourism industry', including how these industries were selected to be part of the trial.

(8)   What selection criteria are employers required to satisfy in order to be an 'approved employer'.

(9)   How many applications by companies seeking to be an 'approved employer' have been: (a) received; (b) approved; and (c) denied, including the reason(s) for denial.